Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 55

Xena's POV

The movie started, filling the room with eerie sounds and dimmed lighting. I think I lasted maybe five minutes before my eyes closed.

"Is she asleep already?" I heard William ask.

Ryder walked over and nudged me gently. "Xena?" he said softly. When I didn't respond, he tucked the blanket around me more securely. “It's been a rough day for her," he said in

a low voice.

"Amara's out too," William whispered.

"What exactly are you planning to do here? This isn't just some girl you brought home," William turned to Ryder, his voice accusatory.

"I know that. I'm certain she's my mate. I couldn't leave her there," Ryder responded.

"So you brought the danger here instead? I've heard about Tatum. The guy is brutal, and once she turns eighteen, he'll mark her against her will."

"I know!" Ryder hissed. "Logan and I have been talking. He's extremely protective of her. Though he won't tell me exactly why, she's been on the radar of the pack Alphas for

years."

"Amara says it's because she's too smart. She can see patterns that no one else can— makes her a deadly threat to any enemy. How do you think her father climbed to where he is now? Sure, he's ruthless and kills without mercy, but she's his secret weapon."

how

agreement,"

to sleep with

me like a punch to

response.

a lie and you know it. I've seen how

1/3

Chapter 55

is personal, William called

my distance in

even without considering her brain, she'd be your perfect match. She

Luna," William said,

mate of a pack Alpha? I'd always been trained as a warrior, not

everyone. But once we

to the death, but

know. I'll spend the week preparing, just in case. William, you need to make sure she's ready for the fight with

you train

think I can

like your mate, aren't

was silence then. A silence that made my

I'll see you tomorrow. I'll stay home

help taking care of her?" William